Weekly Thought – November 1, 2016
Fred loved cars. Getting to sit in the pit area with the Sam Hanks team was definitely a life thrill. He loved the sound of finely tuned engines. And, he worked diligently to make sure his three children all understood the value of mechanical devices.
Thank you for praying with the BWFLI team at Palm Beach Atlantic University. The conversations and connections were abundant and invigorating. We have men and women of great character being trained to lead.
Keeping the Engine in Gear
During times when we have no great career accomplishments, it is important to have outside achievements. This is the way we re-attach our egos.
I suggested that a friend who was going through a low time after selling his company find personal satisfaction in a non-career arena. Several months later I saw him. To my surprise he had lost 40 pounds. He said, “I took your suggestion and it is working. Not only have I lost the weight that I badly needed to lose, but I’ve also won the doubles tennis championship at the club.” He had rediscovered the joy of achievement.
Every career has its dead spots. Inevitably there are idling times as we hit plateaus on the climb. It is important to remember that we haven’t failed; only our plans have. Rather than letting it throw us off track, we can redirect our productive energies in an avocational direction. We can channel our need for productivity into charitable or ministry outlets. We can develop new skills and broaden our current interests. It is important to acknowledge the importance of useful development.
The lull in the career won’t kill the proper use of ego gratification. It is important, of course, that these ancillary accomplishments do not become an escape, nor that we let our avocation supersede our vocation. The principal idea is to keep experiencing a productive life – which we continue to contribute and know a sense of accomplishment. It is important to keep our engine clean, in good repair, and our gears meshing.
If we miss the opportunity to grow in the plateau, we end up circling round and round without forward progress. The proper use of plateaus can strengthen us as we begin again. When we put ourselves into gear, we can move smoothly down the road.
The productive man or woman recognizes that achievement breeds achievement. Low times give us time to slow down for the next climb. Parking the car in the garage is not the answer. Revving the engine and developing new outlets is the way to go.
This week think about: 1) What is my way to handle the plateaus? 2) How can I help others deal with these times? 3) Who do I know right now that needs this word?
Words of Wisdom: “If we miss the opportunity to grow in the plateau, we end up circling round and round without forward progress.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NET Bible)